Reading police: Robbers targeting cab, delivery drivers

Police are investigating a string of robberies targeting taxi and food delivery drivers.

Capt. Jeffrey Parr, Reading Police Dept., told 69 News that five victims have been reported within one week. No one has been seriously injured, investigators said.

The first incident, according to police, happened Fri., Jan. 3, in the 1200 block of Moss Street, where two men robbed a Reading Metro Taxi driver of cash and his cell phone.

Two other drivers were hit the next night, police said. The first was a Pizza Time delivery driver in the 1200 block of Moss Street. Later, a Happy Family Chinese food deliverer was robbed in the 1100 block of North 5th Street.

A woman claiming to be the fourth victim, a driver for Pizzariffic, told 69 News that one robber, whom she described as a tall Hispanic man in his mid-30s, attacked her as she exited her vehicle and walked toward him around 9 p.m. Wed., Jan. 8 in the 300 block of Minor Street.

"Within seconds, I looked down to tell him his price and that's when he grabbed me and had a knife to me. Then he threw me on the ground while holding me, and I gave him what was in my pocket," the victim said.

She said the robber got away with her cell phone and about $40 in cash.

Police told 69 News she was one of two victims held at knife-point; others have been held at gunpoint.

Police told 69 News the most recent robbery occurred around 6:15 p.m. Thursday, also near the 1200 block of Moss Street. Investigators said three robbers stole cash from a cab driver.

The number of robbers has ranged from one to three during each attack, and information about them is limited, said police, adding that they believe some of the cases are connected.

Each incident is under active investigation.

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